The FBI warned violators would be prosecuted

Published at 4:36 AM EST on Jan 8, 2018

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A logo for the NCAA college football championship game decorates a building next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018, in Atlanta, where the game will be played on Monday. Atlanta's mayor is promising a "safe, smooth and secure" college football championship game Monday, despite the traffic problems expected to be caused by President Donald Trump's motorcade, but none of the many agencies involved are taking any chances.

The FBI says drones have been spotted in restricted air space surrounding the Atlanta stadium where college football's title game will be held, despite a temporary ban.

FBI spokesman Kevin Rowson said Sunday that flying drones or aircraft in the area of Mercedes-Benz stadium and the nearby entertainment venues is a violation of federal law.

The Federal Aviation Administration banned aircraft including drones from Saturday through Monday night, when the University of Georgia faces the University of Alabama in the College Football Playoff Championship.

Despite the ban, Rowson said drones were spotted in the restricted area Saturday, and he warned that violators would be prosecuted. Sunday's statement didn't specify exactly where the drones were spotted, or who was flying them.